Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it called the Wilton Library Association? Why not Wilton Public Library?

The Wilton Library Association was founded in 1895 as a private subscription library before the widespread creation of public libraries in the United States. While we serve as the public library for the town of Wilton and have not charged subscriber fees in many decades, the Association remains a private, non-profit institution which relies on donations to maintain its collection and services.

How is the Wilton Library funded?

Donations fund 100% of the collection (including books, online databases, magazines and newspapers, CDs, DVDs, and audiobooks). These are raised in our annual Friends appeal. An annual grant from the Town of Wilton covers about three-quarters of our operating expenses.

How can I donate to the Wilton Library?

The Friends of the Wilton Library will accept donations by check, cash, credit card, or United Way designation. We will also accept direct donations of securities. You may print out a donation form (in .pdf format) from our Web site or pick one up at the circulation desk. The Wilton Library also accepts donations of books and other items. [You can download a free Adobe Acrobat Reader for viewing and printing .pdf files from Adobe's Web site.] If you are interested in setting up a memorial fund, giving a memorial gift, or making a designated one-time donation please contact the Director, Elaine Tai-Lauria, at 203-762-6322 or etailauria@wiltonlibrary.org.

What are the Library's hours?

The Wilton Library is open Monday-Thursday 10am-8pm; Friday 10am-6pm; Saturday 10am-5pm; and Sunday 1pm-5pm. The library is closed on Sundays from Mid-June through Labor Day.

Who can use the Wilton Library?

Anyone is welcome to use any resource in the Library including Internet workstations, the reference collection, and the services of the reference librarians.
FREE borrowing privileges are available to:

All Wilton residents

out of state residents employed by Wilton businesses

persons employed on a live-in basis in Wilton

all Connecticut residents upon presentation of a valid card from their home town library

How do I get a library card?

Wilton residents may apply for a Wilton Library card online or at our circulation desk. Please bring proof of residency with you (driver’s license, utility bill, credit card statement, automobile registration, etc.). There is no cost to get a Wilton Library card, but there is a $1.00 replacement fee for lost cards or to obtain a card with a different design (see your choices).

Nonresidents may register their Connecticut hometown library card with us to borrow materials from Wilton Library. Please bring your library card (with expiration date) and ID with you to our Circulation Desk and we will be happy to register you with Wilton Library.

If you have any questions, please contact our Circulation Desk at 203-762-6334.

How long can I keep an item? What are the overdue charges?

A complete listing of our loan periods and overdue charges is available here.

You may submit your question to our reference staff using this online form or you may email your questions to reference@wiltonlibrary.org. You may also phone us with your question -- dial 203-762-6350.

Can I have my books delivered to me at home?

Yes. Our At Your Service: At Home books-by-mail program allows you to request books and other library materials to be mailed to you at home. To sign up for this program or get more information, please call our Head of Circulation at 203-762-6333. You may also send email to circulation@wiltonlibrary.org.

Does the Wilton Library have computers for public use?

We have Internet workstations in the Adult area, the Teen Library, and the Children's Library. These computers also have Microsoft Office 2007: Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access.

What other equipment does the Wilton Library have available for the public?

The Library has a fax machine, two photocopiers, a color printer, a scanner, and a standing desk for public use within the library. We loan Kindles that are pre-loaded with eBooks, iPods that are pre-loaded with eAudiobooks, kill-a-watt device, an iPad, and a telescope. For our vision-impaired patrons, we have an Optelec desk reader in the adult reference area, a portable Optelec video reader for use in the library and one to check out, as well as a large iPad pro pre-loaded with large-type newspapers.

Does the Wilton Library have programs for children?

Among the programs available are storytimes for children ages 1 through 6 (through age 8 in summer), arts and crafts programs, special concerts, and a summer reading program. For information about currently scheduled programs, please contact the Children's Services department at 203-762-6336.

Are there any book discussion groups at the Wilton Library?

The Wilton Library sponsors a monthly lunchtime group, Wilton Library Readers, with professional leader Susan Boyar. They meet the second Wednesday of every month from September through May (no meeting in December). A list of titles and a full schedule can be found on the group's page. All are welcome; meetings are informal; bring your lunch. In addition, the Library hosts special programs. Please watch the newspapers, the bulletin boards in the Library, and our website for announcements. All Library programs are posted on our Events page.

Artist Ed MacEwen is in charge of our monthly art exhibits. If you are interested in exhibiting, please contact him at 203-227-8502. If you are interested in purchasing one of the pieces on exhibit, stop by the circulation desk on your next visit.

When is the Wilton Library Book Sale?

The Wilton Library holds a major book sale annually. The browsers and collectors book sale is usually held in April. The library often has additional specialized book sales during the year. These book sales will be listed on our Events page. There is an ongoing book sale shelf in the library gallery.

Can I volunteer at the Wilton Library?

The Wilton Library often has volunteer opportunities available for volunteers at least 18 years of age or older. Please complete this form or contact Rich Hubli at 203-762-6328 for more information.

Does the Wilton Library rent meeting rooms?

Yes. Please refer to our Agreement for Use of Library Facilities for information about acceptable use of library facilities. To check date availability, please contact Rentals at 203-762-6305. You may download or view the application forms in .pdf format. [You can download a free Adobe Acrobat Reader for viewing and printing .pdf files from Adobe's Web site.]

Does the Wilton Library accept donations of books?

Yes, the Wilton Library Association welcomes your book donations. Wilton Library Book Sales provide a critical source of income to support valuable programs, and library resources. Three beige donation bins are located on Godfrey Place for your use.

Please note: the Library does not accept donations of magazines, condensed books, text books, or records. The Library stops accepting donations in late March and resumes again in May to allow time to prepare for the book sale. Recent issues of National Geographic (less than five years old) may be donated to the Darien Book Aid Plan in Noroton (203-656-2777). They also accept current textbooks. Textbooks must have clean white pages (no highlighting, underlining or other notations). Textbooks should only be of these types: literature, spelling, grammar, geography, high school business, economics, or physics. No classroom sets. Condensed books and recent magazines may be donated to the Garner Correctional Institution in Newtown (203-270-2800).

Does the Wilton Library accept donations of other items?

Occasionally the Library will accept donations of other items. If you are interested in donating, please speak with our Director, Elaine Tai-Lauria at 203-762-6322.